Exception from health certificate requirements for horses transported within the same country via Sweden
From 1 November 2026, it will, under certain conditions, be possible to transport registered horses without a health certificate between two parts of the same country when the transport route passes through Sweden.
One example is the transport of registered horses between mainland Denmark and Bornholm, where the horses leave and return to Danish territory but are transported through Sweden during the journey.
The exemption applies only to registered horses. Registered horses are:
- horses registered with a breeding or equine organisation and entered in the main section of a studbook; or
- horses holding a valid FEI licence.
Conditions for using the exemption
To travel without an animal health certificate, all of the following conditions must be met:
- The horse must comply with the general animal health requirements for movements within the EU.
- The horse must not show any signs of disease on the day of transport.
- The horse must be correctly identified and registered in accordance with applicable EU legislation.
- The establishment of origin and the establishment of destination must be different establishments.
- The transport must be carried out in a manner that prevents the spread of disease.
- The horse must be transported directly to the destination establishment without contact with other horses while in the transit Member State.
- The horse must arrive at the destination establishment within 12 hours of departure from the establishment of origin.
Self-declaration must accompany the horse
When this exemption is used, a self-declaration must accompany the horse throughout the transit journey.
The self-declaration must contain the following information:
- Address and registration number of the establishment of origin.
- Address and registration number of the establishment of destination.
- Date of movement.
- Species.
- The horse's unique identification code.
- Means of transport, including registration number.
- Name and registration number of the transporter.
More information
This derogation is based on Article 69 (a) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/688, which allows certain exemptions from the standard animal health requirements for the movement of kept equidae between Member States.
For information on the requirements for movements within the EU without exception, please see the page that outlines the general rules.